City Cast Chicago

Whether it’s a friend’s party, a family gathering, or a work potluck, there’s no way you’re cooking for all of your holiday festivities. That’s where Chicago restaurants come in. Executive producer Simone Alicea, producer Michelle Navarro, newsletter editor Sidney Madden, and host Jacoby Cochran designed their best potluck menus. Using just restaurants in their area, each person picked an appetizer, entree, side, and dessert.Who do YOU think had the best menu? You can text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246JacobyBlack-eyed pea fritters from MajaniJerk chicken and shrimp from Caribbean Jerk PalaceGouda mac and cheese and candied yams from Lexington Betty SmokehouseBaklava from Cedars Mediterranean KitchenSimoneBavarian Pretzels from Paulina MarketDuck from Sun WahMaduros and mofongo from BorinquenCupcakes from Jennivee’s BakeryMichelleSpring/Egg Rolls from Lotus Banh MiShawarma from KoKo’s Mediterranean GrilleRice and beans, maduros, and tostones from Jibaritos y MasVariety from Panaderia Nuevo LeonSidneyCharcuterie from EatalyShawarma, kebob, falafel, and hummus from Oasis CafeTiramisu from D’Amato’s BakeryCustard tarts from MingHin CuisineDonuts from Doughnut VaultGood News: 46th annual Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle ParadeWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

The federal corruption trial of former Ald. Ed Burke is now in its fourth week. Multiple delays have slowed down the timeline but the judge is still hopeful the trial will wrap by Christmas. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran discuss the latest updates out of the courthouse. Plus, Illinois’ 2024 election season is officially underway as hopeful candidates for local, state, congressional and judicial races began filing their petitions Monday. What holiday pop-ups are you excited for? Good News: Lifeline Theatre’s 3rd Annual Adaptation Workshop & ShowcaseWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

What happens when a person goes missing in Chicago? Trina Reynolds-Tyler with Invisible Institute and Sarah Conway with City Bureau are here to discuss “Missing in Chicago,” their two-year investigation into how Chicago police handle missing person cases. They highlight inadequate police data, testimonials from families who felt mistreated or dismissed by police, and a disproportionate impact on Black women and girls.Make sure you also check out their resources list and rights guide.Good News: Karaoke Storytellers on 11/30Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Many of us may have out-of-town visitors this week for the Thanksgiving holiday. And what better way to say “I’m thankful for you” than with the city’s favorite drink-slash-prank: Malört. Whether you actually like the bitter liquor or you just want to see your friends make a weird face, it’s become one of Chicago’s best inside jokes. Host Jacoby Cochran tried it for the first time this summer. We did a taste test and round of Malört trivia with executive producer Simone Alicea, marketing director Caroline Patton, and marketing coordinator Jermaine Thomas.Good News: Chicago Weekly Show CalendarWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at:Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Service on the Yellow Line from Howard to Skokie/Dempster was still suspended Monday after a train crashed into a city snowplow late last week, injuring nearly 40 riders. Investigators from the the National Transportation Safety Board are in town piecing together what happened. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran are breaking down the latest findings. Plus, we discuss Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 60 day limit at the city’s temporary migrant shelters and some quick holiday travel tips. Check out these City Cast Chicago playlists to get you through tough traffic this holiday season.What are you thankful for this holiday season? You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Most of Illinois’ 16 juvenile detention centers fail to meet minimum compliance standards, according to recent reports from the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice. The audits show the facilities are overusing confinement and failing to provide adequate resources, including education, mental health services, and even proper clothing or bedding. Injustice Watch’s Kelly Garcia looked over the reports and tells host Jacoby Cochran what’s driving the problems, why transparency issues persist, and how officials are responding.Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

After a three month search, Mayor Brandon Johnson has hired Dr. Olusimbo Ige to lead Chicago’s Public Health Department. This is one of Johnson’s biggest hirings, especially following the ousting of the former top doc. Crain’s Katherine Davis and City Bureau’s India Daniels are here to discuss why this move is so critical. Plus, the city’s $16 billion dollar budget was approved, Howard Brown health workers strike again, and there are plenty of opportunities to see Chicagoland’s holiday lights.Calendar for police district council meetings and follow along with the City Bureau DocumentersGood News: Stay up to date with City Bureau eventsChicagoland Light Shows: Chicago Botanic Gardens Lightscape, Lincoln Park ZooLights, Morton Arboretum Illumination, Magnificent Mile Lights Fest, Sparkle Light FestWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

If you’ve been on a CTA train or bus in the last 25 years you have heard the same voice announcing every single stop, what side the doors open on, and what to do if your Ventra card is expiring soon. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to Lee Crooks, the actor behind the voice, about what it’s like to help move millions of Chicagoans and visitors each year. Plus, Jacoby tests how much the voice of CTA really knows about the CTA. Some Good News: Grown Folks Stories and Karaoke Storytellers at The Promontory Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

The name Chicago is believed to originate from Indigenous words describing a type of wild onion now known as “ramps.” They grew so much in the area that the onion — and its smell — ended up defining the city’s name. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu to understand how onions play a role in Chicago restaurants and kitchens today. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

City Council is slated to vote this week on the budget. One detail concerning Mayor Brandon Johnson’s supporters is the money included for the controversial gunshot-detection technology ShotSpotter, whose contract Johnson pledged on the campaign trail to end. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran ask: Are we getting mixed signals from City Hall? Plus, we’re discussing potential name changes for Chicagoland birds and great Thanksgiving meal deals. The birds we mentioned: Cooper’s Hawk, Wilson’s Warbler, Henslow’s SparrowWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE